Tiger Impressions, Ryder Cup Prize Money, Best of 2024

CEvery week, follow the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport and join the conversation via tweets: @golf_com. This week, we discuss Tiger (and Charlie) Woods' performance at the PNC Championship, the PGA Tour's “showdown” with LIV, our favorite moments of 2024, and more.

Tiger Woods joins his son Charlie at the PNC Championship, his first 36-hole scramble since the Open in July (and his recent back surgery). It all happened on Sunday: Charlie's first-ever hole-in-one, an impressive shot from Tiger, and finally, Langer beating Woods in a playoff. What did you think of Tiger and Charlie's weekend in Florida?

Zephyr Melton, Assistant Editor (@zephyrmelton): It was interesting – especially since they were in contention late in the game. It's nice to see Tiger smiling (instead of making faces) on the golf course. The game didn't offer any meaningful insight into the Tigers' future chances of contending (the course is a rabbit slope and the majors are played on black diamonds), but that's okay. Seeing Tiger and Charlie playing outside was a treat in itself.

Alan Bastable, Executive Editor (@alan_bastable): Interesting, of course. But it’s also competitive. You can feel both teams are hungry for a playoff win. Also, not to get too sentimental, but you have to pay tribute to the entire game this December Sunday! What other sport allows participants of different ages and abilities to compete fairly in such an intense environment? More specifically, you have arguably the best golfer of all time and his 15-year-old kid, versus the 67-year-old golfer who won his last major 34 years ago and his investment banker son — —This is a really fascinating game. By the way, just three months removed from his sixth back surgery, and after what has been an extremely grim season for him, what a joy it is to see Tiger hit a pressure-packed shot. For Tiger optimists, 2025 is certainly looking brighter than it was just a week ago.

Jack Hirsh, deputy equipment editor (@JR_HIRSHey): I think you guys have covered any meaningful takeaways from Tiger's week, but how did Chuck play his ace and then hit some nice clutch shots the rest of the way, especially the putts! I also scored my first hole-in-one at 15 in a tournament and barely held on to my next swing on the golf course (I completed that round with a double-birdie trifecta) . Again, we have to temper our expectations for Charlie because he's just a 15-year-old kid playing under completely unfair pressure, but again it's certainly fun to see the behavior compare and the entire Woods family having a lot of fun.

Analyst Peter Jacobson was full of praise for Tiger's week, saying he was “overwhelmed and excited about the world of golf and seeing Tiger react so well” [physically] And how well he played. do you agree?

Melton: Not really. It's a silly season event played on a flat course in Florida. suggestion this It is foolish to use events as a predictor of future success.

Bastable: Who asked the Grinch to participate in this roundtable? Make no mistake, the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is no Oakmont, but come on, Z, our guys walked 55 holes in three days! Not sure anyone saw this. I would say his game leaves a little to be desired. There were some bright spots — I'm reminded of that shot that sailed 30 feet off the deck — but Tiger's iron play and putting weren't sharp as the playoffs got into heat. By his own admission, he was already rusty. The question is, can he play enough meaningful golf in 25 years to shake off that rust? At 49 years old, his body still needs more rejuvenation, which feels like a huge ask.

Hersh: Who would have thought Basti would be the conductor of the hype train? Slow down, speed racer! He's Tiger Woods, and of course, he's always hitting these amazing shots when it doesn't matter. He's the greatest player of all time and continues to exceed expectations, but it's time to accept that we may not see that in the thick of the competition on the PGA Tour or major championships. That's not to say he can't handle the pressure, but it's not just physical but mental as well, and his body has endured more than most 49-year-olds. Let's see if he ends up playing at Genesis first.

The much-hyped Crypto Showdown — featuring Rory McIlroy and Scotty Scheffler vs. Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka — is reported by Josh Carpenter of Sports Business Journal ’s PGA Tour vs. LIV tournament—attracted only 625,000 spectators. Although it wasn't part of the “Race” series, it had the second-lowest ratings ever. What to give? Are we starting to see a scary trend in televised games?

Melton: Ratings are declining across the sport, and this event is no exception. It's hard to get hype for events with little to no suspense – and I think the lackluster ratings speak to that. With so much on the to-do list this week (CFB playoffs, NFL games, NBA and NHL season starts, etc.), sports fans have limited bandwidth. For the average sports viewer, a meaningless event involving cryptocurrencies is clearly low on the viewing priority list.

Bastable: I actually think crypto wallets are one of the more compelling angles! In 2023, cash already is. This means that any exhibition without Tiger and Charlie will be difficult to sell no matter how marketed it is. The PGA Tour's tensions with LIV might have been a good draw a few years ago — the problem is, that anxiety has mostly dissipated.

Hersh: I'm not one of those viewers, but it's not because I don't want to watch it. I think Z pointed out that the ratings were down, and while LIV vs. the PGA Tour was great, this happens with the majors as well, and the ratings are down as well. There won't be a renewed focus on golf until people stop talking about politics, backroom deals and divisions and start talking more about golf, and only golf.

It’s official: The PGA of America has announced that U.S. Ryder Cup players will receive a total of $500,000 in prize money, of which $300,000 will be donated to the charity of their choice and $200,000 will be used for their desired things to do. (Previously, players could receive $200,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.) Since the announcement, The Telegraph has reported that Europe will not change its payment structure. How does this new wrinkle affect the dynamics of the Ryder Cup?

Melton: It reflects the dynamic of both teams. The U.S. team is a tough bunch, fighting (largely) for themselves and their own interests, while the European team is united by a greater goal. If Team USA loses at Bethpage, you can bet it will be talked about for years to come.

Bastable: I think that's right, Zeph – this development fits right into the narrative that has developed around both sides over the last 20 years or so. Am I angry that Americans are getting paid? I'm not. But I do wonder if the $200,000 stipend is worth all the politicking required behind the scenes. Rory took a dig at American Payday earlier this week, and rest assured those attacks will continue until the final pin falls at Bethpage next fall.

Hersh: I agree with both of you. What are we doing here? Just send it all to charity and get on with it. Xander Schauffele made more than $23 million last year, and $200,000 means something to him. Is it worth it? Rory's shade and sarcasm are spot on. Americans are like babies crying: “Where is the money?” while Europeans are just proud for the sake of pride.

TGL, the new indoor simulation golf league backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, kicks off on January 7, although we got a behind-the-scenes look at last week's media day event. Is there anything you read or saw on social media that interests you?

Melton: It looks… cooler than I thought? The rotating greens and Augusta National-style bunkers look well executed, and the quirky hole designs they showcase remind me of the golden tees. What makes me cautiously optimistic is that TGL could be fun.

Bastable: Yes, it does look like they got the technology right – how about that six-story-tall analog screen! -The players seemed to be in awe of all the bells and whistles. But as we’ve discussed at length in this space, how long does it take for the novelty to wear off?

Hersh: Yes, I'm interested, but Alan is right. How long will I (and others) stay like this?

We'll look ahead to 2025 on next week's Tour Confidential, but first let's take a final look back at 2024.

Melton: I always have fun covering the Augusta National Women's Amateur, and this year is no different. Lottie Woad's charge on the back nine was epic and fun to witness. ANWA is only five years old, but I think this event was a huge success. Here are more iconic moments from the Augusta National ladies.

Bastable: I always associate 2024 with Scheffler's arrest. Is it mine? favorite moment? I have no idea. But for those of us in the golf journalism industry, it’s moments like these that make the job explosive. Still amazed that it happened.

Hersh: Yes, Scheffler was arrested because of me, too. It's just one of those moments that transcends sports and makes people remember “where you were.” For me, it was seven calls from my dad telling me to turn on SportsCenter at 7am. Like come on man, don’t let us know how easy this is for you!

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